Chris Walla on Quitting, Norway, Alcohol, Perfectionism, and Terrible Music Teachers

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Jan 30, 2023

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ANECDOTE

Early Musical Frustrations

Chris Walla's early musical experiences were often miserable, particularly with a strict piano teacher.
She prioritized classical purity over his desire to learn popular music, hindering his development.

INSIGHT

Finding Musical Solace

Despite negative experiences, Chris Walla found solace in creating his own musical space.
This allowed him to explore his creativity and develop a unique style, eventually leading to success.

ANECDOTE

Childhood Struggles

Chris Walla reflects on his childhood, acknowledging the possibility of undiagnosed depression and anxiety.
He was bullied and often felt alone, finding refuge in high school drama and music.

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Chris Walla’s life today is very different from where it has been in the past. The musician and producer isn’t in the Pacific Northwest, for instance, where he grew up and lived for many years. He’s in Trondheim, Norway, where he is putting down roots and continues to compose and produce. And while that happens, Death Cab for Cutie, the band he co-founded in the 1990s, is in the midst of a 71-stop international tour.

In this interview, Chris talks about music instructors and academic experiences that didn’t quite kill his love of making music. He weighs the thrill of playing music with his friends to the painful drudgery of touring and the experience of losing connection with the songs. And he details his struggles with depression, alcohol, and, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the nagging feeling that people don’t really want to hear what he makes.

Learn more about Chris Walla and his Seattle recording studio by visiting HallOfJusticeRecording.com. Listen to Chris Walla's music on the streaming service of your choice. Follow Chris on Twitter @calculizer.

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